Working in the justice area is incredibly gratifying, but it also requires the completion of a degree program.
While undergraduate degrees can lead to entry-level positions, a master’s degree in legal studies may be more helpful in continuing your career.
If you live in South Dakota, consider attending an in-person MLS program.
We’ve compiled a list of the top programs available both in person and online.
Schools
There aren’t any in-person programs in the state of South Dakota for a Masters in Legal Studies.
However, there are still some legal degree programs that cover some topics.
The main one is the University of South Dakota Kundson School of Law.
Accredited Master of Science programs are offered online, and the popularity of online learning is growing.
We’ve included a list of mostly online MLS programs below.
1 University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is a public law school in Vermillion, SD.
It is the independent law school in the state and has a connection with the University of South Dakota.
The college, which was established in 1901, is renowned for its excellent academic programs, modest student-to-faculty ratio, and affordable tuition.
Contact Information
- Address: 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States
- Phone: +1 605-677-5443
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Arizona State University
Arizona State University, better known as ASU, is located in the heart of Tempe and spread across the city of Phoenix.
ASU is currently one of the most well-known schools when it comes to its law program.
Currently, the college is ranked 36th out of 196 law schools in the country.
That said, it offers an abundance of programs from undergraduate to graduate.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Despite ASU’s MLS program being online, the program is designed to help students succeed.
Mainly, students will be able to have a flexible attendance schedule and may work during their educational process.
Aside from that, students can also access many resources, such as support systems, academic assistance, and more.
The program is broken down into a few core components.
Mainly, students will master core components of the legal field.
The MLS degree will also enable attending students to learn about the different concentrations of law.
Here are the choices one has of the concentrations:
- Business law
- Conflict resolution
- Contract management
- Construction law
- Corporate and healthcare compliance
- Criminal law
- Etc
For a complete list of concentrations, please click here.
Obtaining knowledge of fundamental legal ideas is not the sole goal of the ASU MLS program.
Beyond that, to prepare them for the real world of work, students learn how to think critically and evaluate and apply their findings to their profession.
With its emphasis on professional preparation, this curriculum is ideal for students wishing to pursue legal careers in fields other than law.
With $1,172 for each credit, the estimated tuition is $35,160.
Based on the degree, ASU accepts various payment options and financial help.
It will be necessary for students to obtain a private loan if they are unable to pay.
Contact Information
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ
- Phone: (855) 278-5080
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Northeastern University School of Law
Northeastern University is another recognized online law school that offers an MLS program.
The institution is exceptionally competitive due to its distinctive areas of study, with just 35% of candidates accepted into the law program.
The university was created in 1928 and eventually came to be known as Northeastern University.
Courses Offered/Program Name
The institution provides an online MLS program for those who want to deepen their expertise in law without completing the traditional path.
Instead, students will learn vital legal concepts that will prepare them for careers in related fields of work.
Students may choose electives that will assist them to specialize in an area of study.
The MLS curriculum offers emphases on business, health, human resources, intellectual property, public law, and policy.
Students emerge with extensive knowledge regarding legal subjects as well as with a focus on analysis and research.
The program of study intends to promote legal decision-making, professional communication, and career progression.
By the end of the educational program, students must have mastered both verbal and writing abilities, as well as grasped the key concepts in their field of study.
Tuition costs an average of $1,172 per credit hour.
The MLS degree is a 30-credit program that costs $35,160.
Students must additionally pay a $100 technology charge, as well as a budget for course materials, textbooks, and other expenses.
Financial help, scholarships, grants, and loans are all available.
Contact Information
- Address: 416 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
- Phone: (617) 373-2395
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Purdue University Global
Purdue Institution Global is an approved virtual organization offering a variety of courses of study and is ranked among the top virtual universities in the United States.
Students may learn through complex adaptable instruction from a remote location without sacrificing the quality of the program.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Purdue University Global delivers an online MLS diploma that requires a solid understanding of the legal process.
The curriculum concentrates on legal writing and research skills, which are taught by professionals in the field.
It places a significant value on legal evaluation and fundamental ideas.
Purdue University offers four areas of expertise for students who choose to pursue one:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Environmental
- Criminal justice
One of the benefits of enrolling in the MLS program is that you gain a strong understanding of moral and ethical implications.
Furthermore, leadership skills will be taught to the students, which will aid them in the job.
Students will also have the skills needed to examine and resolve challenges within their area of focus.
In contrast to undergraduates, students are going to have greater knowledge and be prepared for advancement in their careers.
There are eleven courses in the online MLS curriculum, which may be finished in only one year.
To graduate from the program, students must complete 55 quarter credits.
The expected cost of tuition is $420 per credit or $23,100 on average.
However, as tuition rates might vary, students should speak with the financial aid office for further details.
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100. West Lafayette, IN 47906.
- Phone: 866-522-7747
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Pepperdine University
Online legal programs can be enrolled at Pepperdine University, an accredited Christian academic university.
Though students can attend online, its main campus is located in Los Angeles, California.
Moreover, Pepperdine bought Orange University College of Law in 1969, when it was founded in 1937.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Pepperdine’s online MLS program remains entirely online and may be completed in 24 months, or 16 if studied full-time.
The course of study focuses thoroughly on core legal topics such as tort, constitutional, and contract law.
Students will also be able to pick a specific area of study, expanding their understanding of the subject.
The MLS program offers several different concentrations:
- Dispute Resolution
- Human Resources
- General Law
The curriculum is split into eight fundamental core classes that teach vital legal concepts as well as procedures.
From there, students can select eight additional courses to help them focus on a specific field of study.
Participating students are also eligible for two in-person weekend trips to the primary school in Malibu, California.
Students may enhance their networking skills and have a greater chance to meet with industry leaders.
Another aspect of Pepperdine’s online education is that it offers a dual degree program.
If students opt to pursue a Master of Dispute Resolution, they can take an additional 20 credits and get a dual degree.
While not necessary, this could prove beneficial if a student intends to work in an area that requires negotiations.
Finally, the expected tuition for the MLS program is $66,820.
Each unit costs $2,570, but students also must budget for supplies, textbooks, and other expenses.
Fortunately, Pepperdine University allows financial aid.
Contact Information
- Address: 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263
- Phone: (310) 506-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
6 American University Washington College of Law
A top-tier law school that trains students for careers in all facets of the legal profession is the American University of Washington, DC (AUWCL).
Established in 1896, the university rose to prominence as one of the premier legal schools on the East Coast.
All the same, AUWCL will provide its students with chances and solid legal contacts that only graduates can have.
Courses Offered/Program Name
To help professionals advance their careers, AUWCL’s MLS program gives students access to industry-specific expertise.
Students will comprehend the legal system in great detail with a focus on problem-solving and new laws and regulations.
A thorough grasp of the American legal system is one of the program’s outcomes for completion.
Furthermore, students must exhibit professional abilities that will benefit them in the job.
Along with having a solid command of both writing and oral skills, students will also be proficient in updated rules and legal terminology.
During the MLS program, students will be given the chance to concentrate in one of the following:
- Business
- Health Care Compliance
- Technology
- Cybersecurity
Thirty credits will be completed in total by students.
In as short as 12 months, full-time students should be able to finish the curriculum.
But part-time students can need up to 24 months, depending on available courses.
Inquiries about tuition should be made by students to the university.
The most accurate estimate for tuition may be obtained from the university’s financial assistance office, as it is subject to frequent fluctuations.
Students who need assistance paying for their education can apply for loans, scholarships, and financial aid.
Contact Information
- Address: 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
- Phone: (202) 274-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Legal Studies Salary Information
The pay of an MLS school graduate varies based on their focus.
Professionals can expect to earn an average of $47,170 in South Dakota.
However, this will be heavily influenced by geography, years of experience, competence, and other factors.
Here is a quick summary of the expected salary for an MLS degree holder by job type.
- Compliance Officer – $50,000-$70,000
- Legal Analyst – $55,000-$75,000
- Legal Educator – $45,000-$65,000
- Paralegal – $45,000-$55,000
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$75K |
|
$83K |
|
$92K |
Average Salary in South Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $76,687 |
| Watertown | $82,807 |
| Brookings | $82,807 |
| Deadwood | $81,138 |
| Pierre | $78,078 |
| Rapid City | $82,529 |
| Sioux Falls | $84,198 |
| Arlington | $82,807 |
| Carthage | $82,807 |
| Ethan | $82,807 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 120 | $57,850 | $27.81 | $74,300 | $44,510 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 190 | $60,580 | $29.13 | $73,280 | $44,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Legal Studies Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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